Involuntary thoughts = sin?

[EltronRangamma]

Sometimes, Satan whispers ideas into my heads that absolutely repulses me. I have no control over these thoughts but the moment they crop up, I banish the devil in the authority of Jesus Christ; in other words, I don't entertain my thoughts.

So, is an involuntary thought a sin? Is it necessary for me to repent if I have no control over these thoughts?

 

[Colossians]

Elton,

The scripture says you cannot sin anyway (1 John 3:9). You are in Christ - the old is passed away.

 

[eunice]

yes, the same thing happens to me all the time
and i repent anyway

 

[seangoh]

i just read this and i'd thought i'd share it with you.

The tempter can never compel us to do evil. He cannot control minds unless
they are yielded to his control. The will must consent, faith must let go
its hold upon Christ, before Satan can exercise his power upon us. But every
sinful desire we cherish affords him a foothold. Every point in which we
fail of meeting the divine standard is an open door by which he can enter to
tempt and destroy us. DA 125.

 

[humble_soul]

Sometimes, Satan whispers ideas into my heads that absolutely repulses me. I have no control over these thoughts but the moment they crop up, I banish the devil in the authority of Jesus Christ; in other words, I don't entertain my thoughts.

So, is an involuntary thought a sin? Is it necessary for me to repent if I have no control over these thoughts?

What makes you believe that this is satan whispering ideas into your head? Couldn't these thoughts be coming from your old nature?

 

[humble_soul]

Elton,

The scripture says you cannot sin anyway (1 John 3:9). You are in Christ - the old is passed away.

Can you honestly say that since being a Christian you have not sinned one time?

 

[Colossians]

humble,


Can you honestly say that since being a Christian you have not sinned one time?
The word says it. (1 John 3:9). So take it up with Him who wrote it.

 

[Colossians]

Etron,

Seangoh has said the following:
Every point in which we fail of meeting the divine standard is an open door by which he can enter to tempt and destroy us.
this is a lie from the pits of hell. You are not to meet a divine 'standard'. God's 'standard' is himself. You are in God, being in Christ. The old is passed away. The law is not over you, but Christ is over you.
Your old person was crucifed with Christ....finish.. no more.
The new you (who is Christ in you) is just busy being himself, and answers to know one. He doesn't have to... He is God.
Which is not to say you are God (of the Head of God), but that "It is no longer I that live, but Christ".

 

[EltronRangamma]

What makes you believe that this is satan whispering ideas into your head? Couldn't these thoughts be coming from your old nature?

I don't know? These are fleeting and involuntary thoughts/suggestions the devil makes that absolutely repulse me and thoughts that lead to sin I have never committed before/will never in my right sane mind commit; sins I otherwise find really deplorable.

 

[EltronRangamma]

Colossians, you are not helping me here sir, sorry.

Seangoh, that was a nice thought but you haven't really answered my question.

I know God forgives a repentant heart but what I'm curious about is whether involuntary thoughts are things I should be repentant about.

It is not even temptation - for I am not in the least bit tempted to do these things - but mere suggestions/thoughts.

 

[MattMMMan17]

Eltron, in answer to your question, no. A sin must be INTENTIONAL in order for it to be considered a sin. If you banish these thoughts, and do not entertain them, you need not wonder if you've sinned.

 

[Colossians]

Eltron,

You are not being helped because you are intent on not being taught, but instead hanging on to your milk.

Your thoughts are irrelevant if you have died. All those in Christ have died. Your old person which thinks anything your New Man might consider not profitable, is simply not recognised, not even seen, by God.

 

[MattMMMan17]

Colossians, perhaps you are not helpful because your message is being distorted by your diction. Don't make assumptions based solely upon being told that you're no help. In all honestly, I don't even understand your point or how it relates to the OP. If you could clarify your meaning it would be a great benefit to all. Thank you.

 

[EltronRangamma]

Eltron, in answer to your question, no. A sin must be INTENTIONAL in order for it to be considered a sin. If you banish these thoughts, and do not entertain them, you need not wonder if you've sinned.

Thank you for this.

 

[humble_soul]

humble,


Can you honestly say that since being a Christian you have not sinned one time?
The word says it. (1 John 3:9). So take it up with Him who wrote it.

I'm sorry, I guess I wasn't clear with my question. Are you saying that you are without sin?

 

[ydouxist]

Sometimes, Satan whispers ideas into my heads that absolutely repulses me. I have no control over these thoughts but the moment they crop up, I banish the devil in the authority of Jesus Christ; in other words, I don't entertain my thoughts.

So, is an involuntary thought a sin? Is it necessary for me to repent if I have no control over these thoughts?

No you haven't sinned.

I use to think it was satan tempting me. But he unlike God isn't omnipresent,
he can only be in one place at a time. It could be some spirit, or agent of his seeing what you respond to.
They don't know your thoughts. They only kniow what you act upon.

Try this. The next time you have one of those thoughts say, who are you, where did you come from? If it's not your thought it will be exposed. It wants you to think the thought is your own.
I call it being an FBI agent with your thoughts.
It may sound rediculous but just try it.

 

[EltronRangamma]

No you haven't sinned.

I use to think it was satan tempting me. But he unlike God isn't omnipresent,
he can only be in one place at a time. It could be some spirit, or agent of his seeing what you respond to.
They don't know your thoughts. They only kniow what you act upon.

Try this. The next time you have one of those thoughts say, who are you, where did you come from? If it's not your thought it will be exposed. It wants you to think the thought is your own.
I call it being an FBI agent with your thoughts.
It may sound rediculous but just try it.

It's not even temptation, just deplorable fleeting thoughts that force me to chase old cherished lusts.

Anyway, in what manner will this demonic agent be exposed?

 

[ydouxist]

It's not even temptation, just deplorable fleeting thoughts that force me to chase old cherished lusts.

Anyway, in what manner will this demonic agent be exposed?

By asking the thought,
"Who are you, where did you come from?"


If its not your own you will know it in a second.

 

[BlackPanther]

i have this problem with thoughts too. i was wondering the same thing.

 

[harmmony]

Well EltronRangamma, I happen to think that the solution to this one is really simple and I know just what you are talking about with the types of thoughts you describe.
I completely agree with MattMMMan17 the thought itself is not sin. If you dwell on the thought or act on the thought you cross the line into sin. You said that you are using the authority of God to dismiss the thought, then you are most certainly not sinning.

I take my thoughts captive (you may have to do this a lot with really persitant thoughts) according to the scriptures in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5casting down arguments (I add thoughts) and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

I say this scripture as a confession every time an unwanted thought comes, it will become more effective over time as it is sewn into your spirit.